Invited guests warmly received speeches by Michelle Hippolite, Te Papa’s Kaihautū and Acting CEO, Joris de Bres, Race Relations Commissioner Kaihautū Whakawhanaunga-ā-Iwi, Anita Azizi from Afghanistan and Abdalla Gabriel from Sudan, two of our young refugee advisors and key contributors in the development of the Mixing Room exhibition.

Abdalla with Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast

Martine and friend from Rwanda

Joris de Bres addresses the guests

Once the doors opened to gallery, I encountered shrieks of laughter, flooding tears, proud parents beaming smiles…and that was just me! Seriously, it was amazing and people were so thrilled to see what their work and commitment had culminated in. Talk about ‘The Mixing Room’! At one stage I counted 23 different ethnic communities engaging with each other and the content of the show.

The Mixing Room presents the giant digital photomosaic

Farah and family in the Mixing Room

Patrick looking at Sarah looking at Patrick!

Digital tables in action

Visitors enjoying exploring the contributor content

The fun continued on throughout the afternoon with a diverse events programme on the Marae here at Te Papa. From Myanmar dancers, Sudanese poetry readings, Congolese hip hop dancers and all MC’d by our very own Kristelle.

Myanmar dancers

Red performs on the Marae

Young refugee dancers bust a move during a performance at The Mixing Room opening

Abdalla’s poetry reading

Thanks to everyone around the country who have made this one of the most engaging, rewarding and meaningful projects I personally have ever worked on. For more photograph check out The Mixing Room’s Flickr photo stream